is the issue with connection, modem or router?

klprn · EVDO Newbie Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 4

I have been hating my internet for a year now. I've done zillions of speed tests to figure out if it is the position of the Alltel signal, time of day, the UM150 or the Cradlepoint CTR350. I just can't seem to tell except I remain most suspicious of the router.

I have to constantly unplug and replug to wake the modem up. (found the threads about that.) But at other times, the modem IS awake, the connection just doesn't exist or it is super slow. I repair the wireless connection, unplug and replug the CTR250, and then I'm good for a while... an hour ... a day or two.

I was just about to chuck the router after this mornings tests. I was getting a ping of 324, 0.59 down, and 0.05 up. But then I retested - I got a ping of 141, .99 mb/s down... then the test froze and I got 0.02 upload.

With the UM150 directly into my computer I got ping of 160, .81 down, .22 up. But we have 2 computers that need to share.

Can anyone give a relative EVDO newbie some steps or tips on how to figure out the limiting factor? How do I know if this is due to variability at the tower and the signal? Or is it my hardware?

Thanks in advance!
--Kathy

Bert65 · Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject:

Is the modem in the exact same location when plugged in to the computer or router? If not use the extention cable that came with the modem and do your compairisons without moving the modem, just plug the cable into the computer or router. Even moving the modem a few inches can have a drastic affect on the signal.

klprn · EVDO Newbie Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 4

I do use the extension on the router. I've tried the modem in every conceivable location over the past year.

When trying to trouble shoot this, I have used the router/modem, then moved my computer to the exact location of the modem and then tested it with the modem in the exact spot. I even bought an outside antenna from 3G that we tried in several spots but it did not change anything.

It is so variable. When it's good, it's good. Other times it is just so darned slow. There isn't really a middle ground.

I'm leaning towards the router issue. At times, when I've been ready to chuck it out, I will plug my modem in directly and things go well. Then my SO will need to go online, so I'll put the router back up. After a long unplug, the router seems to behave well for a while.